Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element

whitewing

Please can a kind soul tell me - what does this actually mean:

"Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element"?

I'm trying to see if we may theoretically be entitled with some help for something and this is the only bit that we may qualify on, if only I understood it.

(I have a severe mental block about tax credits).

Thank you.

skylight

You need to check your child tax credit award and see what it says. I *think* (check on HMRC website) that the family element is £545 ish and if your family amount on that is higher then you get a rate higher than the family element.

However, some help (ie with school meals) you are not entitled if you get working tax credit at all.

mitchaa

whitewing wrote: »

Please can a kind soul tell me - what does this actually mean:

"Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element"?

I'm trying to see if we may theoretically be entitled with some help for something and this is the only bit that we may qualify on, if only I understood it.

(I have a severe mental block about tax credits).

Thank you.

You need to tell us your joint annual income before anyone can help.

If you earn more than around £23k pa you will not be on CTC at higher than family element.

whitewing

Thank you. You have both been very helpful.

JessicaF_2

It is entirely possible to be on a rate higher than the family element if you earn more than £23,000, it depends on how many children you have, if they have disabilities, if you have disabilities, if you have high childcare costs etc...

Basically, tax credits work by adding together all of the WTC and or CTC elements that you qualify for to give a maximum.

This maximum amount is then tapered depending on your income. The order it is tapered away is WTC first, then childcare, then CTC, then family element only.

So if you have a very high maximum amount (i.e. lots of childcare and some disabilities) it is possible to receive tax credits above the family element up to incomes in excess of 50,000.

Have a look at your award notice - if you get more that 545 (or 1090 if you have a child under 1) it is likely you receive CTC at a rate higher than the family element.

Jess

bonnie_2

We earn £24000 and have 3 kids one with a dissability, I am also dissabled and we get £154 a week so yes it is possible.

whitewing

Thank you all - I think it does apply to us.